Olympic's Macdonald enjoying his next chapter in Illawarra Premier League

Olympic remain unbeaten this season and sit on top of the ladder following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with the White Eagles on Saturday.

It has been a perfect start for Macdonald, who returned to Wollongong at the start of 2021 after a stint with NSW NPL club Sydney United 58. He is loving life in the light blue jersey, scoring four goals in seven games.

"Everyone has looked after me since I've been here. It's been a really good time, I've enjoyed it so far and the results are obviously coming in which makes it even better," Macdonald told the Mercury.

"We've got a whole squad who have basically played in the NPL. The recruitment this year has been ridiculous, with the likes of Chris Price, (Justin) Pasfield at the back, James O'Rourke coming across at centre back. The squad we've got would probably be up there in the top six, top five in the NPL.

"I think nothing less than a league title is what should be the ambitions for the club, especially with the squad they've built. I think we're on track and I'm pretty confident it's going to happen."

Read more: Olympic, Albion Park share points after tough draw

It is Macdonald's second stint in the IPL, having previously represented Albion Park as a teen. After that, he went through the Wollongong Wolves system before going on to play for A-League clubs Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast.

The forward left the Mariners in 2019 and was picked up by Sydney United 58. In early 2021, it was by chance that an opportunity opened up at Wollongong Olympic.

"It all started when I basically got an opportunity to move back overseas, which is in the works at the moment. It was meant to happen sooner rather than later, but then Covid stuffed all of that up, so it got pushed back a little bit," Macdonald said.

"But two of my best mates, Johnny Martonoski and Matt Floro, play at Wollongong Olympic and I've watched them for the last couple of years. Plus I got to know (coaches) George (Antoniou) and (Anthony) Guido, and everyone involved in the club. I thought it was a good opportunity for me to get all of the game time in the world before I set off overseas, get my confidence up and play with a good bunch of boys."

Read more: Under-siege Wolves show resilience to hold on for draw with Rockdale

Macdonald, 25, said building a relationship with head coach Antoniou had been crucial for him this season.

"I didn't really know George much before I came to the club. But he's a good coach, he puts a lot of time and effort into it, and you can see the results showing. It obviously helps with the bunch of boys he's recruited. But he's a great guy and he's got the club back to where they need to be," he said.

"It's been a really good experience for me coming back to play in my local league, especially with a great bunch of blokes like these guys."